Denial has lured many people into a trap which provides a false sense of security.

            Why is that?

            To avoid pain!

            I have seen God do some incredible restoration in lives of people who have courageously pursued Him and were willing to let go of the defense mechanism of denial.

            These people achieved their victory, by facing the pain of their past, forgiving those that caused it, and then getting healed from the results of the trauma.

            There is an old ‘saying’; “don’t open Pandora’s box”, which means, “don’t mess with their heads or all sorts of ugly things will surface leaving everyone involved with an unmanageable situation”.

            But, nothing is un-manageable with the Holy Spirit. The past doesn’t have to remain hidden under a mask, or “defense mechanism” or “false front”. 

The “real” me was hidden behind many masks that I falsely believed would protect me from being hurt and rejected again. My ex-husband made this extraordinary statement in the forward of my book, “Beyond Survival”. 

“I knew Nancy better after reading this book than after 19 years of marriage.”

            These masks, often called survival or coping skills by some therapists – are kept in place by a powerful spirit called denial.

            Why do alcoholics keep drinking and don’t believe they have a problem? Denial.

            What is our first reaction when we hear bad news? Denial.

            What prevents us from facing a painful truth? Denial.

            Don’t let a spirit of denial keep you from getting the help you need.

            We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us. We can even face painful repressed memories and emerge victorious; free to be ourselves, in Jesus’ name.

            Live like Psalm 91 describes, in the shelter of the Most High. Close to Jesus and sheltered from harm. And a good pastor, or counselor can provide the help you may also need on your journey to wholeness.